Columbian Press, 1857

01

Artifact Overview

This ornate cast iron hand press paid homage to America, but sold best in England. George Clymer developed the press and its ingenious system of levers in Philadelphia in 1813. He named it "Columbian" and decorated it with an eagle (which also served as counterweight), a horn of plenty, and other symbols of American prosperity. Our Columbian was made in England in 1857, after Clymer's death.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Printing press

Date Made

1857

Creator Notes

Made by Edward Bevan in London, England. Patented by George Clymer.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

28.772.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Steel (Alloy)
Brass (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 6 ft
Width: 3.583 ft
Depth: 4.75 ft

Inscriptions

COLUMBIAN PRESS / NO.1713 / EDWARD BEVAN / LATE / CLYMER DIXON & CO. / ORIGINAL PATENTEES / MANUFACTURERS / 10 FINSBURY ST. 1857 LONDON
Columbian Press, 1857